Metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters measured by passive (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films) and spot sampling: MONITOOL Project Dataset.

The MONITOOL project (2017-2023) was carried out to describe the relationships between total dissolved and labile metal concentrations measured in spot water samples and in concurrently deployed Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGTs) passive samplers, respectively. The ultimate aim was to adapt existing marine metal Environmental Quality Standards (EQS marine water) for DGTs, enabling their use in the context of the European Directives (the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)). Time-integrated metal concentrations provided by DGTs, representing several days, are an advantage compared to conventional spot sampling, especially in highly dynamic systems, such as transitional waters. Hence, the MONITOOL project aimed to provide a robust database of dissolved and labile metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters, based upon co-deployments of DGTs and collection of spot water samples at several sampling sites (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and Spain), followed subsequently by DGT and water metal analysis. Samplings were carried out in 2018 and 2022, following agreed protocols developed in the framework of the project. The MONITOOL dataset includes metal concentrations from DGTs, measured with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS: Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and in concurrently collected spot water samples by ICP-MS (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and Anodic/Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV/CSV: Cd, Pb, Ni). Moreover, data on seawater physical-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, total suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, and total organic carbon) is provided. This database presents the results obtained using, concurrently, different forms of sampling and analytical techniques, enabling the comparison of the results obtained by these strategies and allowing the adaptation of EQS in marine water (EQS marine water) to DGTs (EQS DGT), in the context of the WFD. Moreover, due to the large number of sampling sites, it could also be used for other types of research, such as those dealing with metal speciation or the determination of baseline levels.

Disruption of diatom attachment on marine bioinspired antifouling materials based on Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus).

Bioinspired surfaces, due to their nano and micro topographical features, offer a promising approach for the development of novel antifouling solutions. The study of surface topography has gained popularity in recent years, demonstrating significant potential in mimicking natural structures that could be manufactured for application in the marine environment. This research focuses on investigating the antifouling (AF) performance of bio-inspired micro-textures inspired by Brill fish scales, Scophthalmus rhombus, under static laboratory conditions, using two common fouling diatom species, Amphora coffeaeformis and Nitzschia ovalis. In this study, we evaluate six engineered surfaces, inspired by Brill fish scales, fabricated through a 2-photon polymerization (2PP) process, for their potential as antifouling solutions. The investigation explores the settlement behaviour of microfouling organisms, comparing these mechanisms with theoretical models to guide the future design of antifouling materials. A key emphasis is placed on the impact of surface topography on the disruption of cellular response. Our results suggest that cells smaller than 10 µm, exceeding the peak-to-peak distances between surface features, comfortably position themselves between adjacent features. On the other hand, as peak-to-peak distances decrease, cells shift from settling within uniform gaps to resting on top of surface features. Surfaces with sharpened edges demonstrate a more substantial reduction in diatom attachments compared to those with rounded edges. Furthermore, all micro-textured surfaces exhibit a significant decrease in colony formation compared to control samples. In conclusion, this study shows the potential to manipulate cellular responses through topographical features, providing valuable insights for the design of effective antifouling materials. The results contribute to the growing body of knowledge in biomimetic antifouling strategies using a novel marine organism for inspiration to design practical structures that can be replicated.

A novel low-cost plug-and-play multi-spectral LED based fluorometer, with application to chlorophyll detection.

In this paper a novel low-cost multi-spectral optical fluorometer is presented and evaluated. The device uses a range of LEDs in the blue and violet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and a mini-spectrometer to detect the emitted fluorescence in the UV to IR spectrum region. Custom built electronics and software were designed to control the system and the components were housed in bespoke 3D printed parts. A number of known fluorophores were tested to determine the capabilities of the fluorometer. Application of the device is demonstrated for the detection of chlorophyll a (Chl a) from laboratory grown algae and from environmental samples while analytical performance is established using both in vivo and extracted Chl a fluorescence and by comparison with a benchtop fluorometer.

Blood transfusions post kidney transplantation are associated with inferior allograft and patient survival-it is time for rigorous patient blood management.

Background: Patient Blood Management (PBM), endorsed by the World Health Organisation is an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary approach to minimise inappropriate blood product transfusions. Kidney transplantation presents a particular challenge to PBM, as comprehensive evidence of the risk of transfusion is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of post-transplant blood transfusions across multiple centres, to analyse risk factors for transfusion and to compare transplant outcomes by transfusion status. Methods: This analysis was co-ordinated via the UK Transplant Registry within NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), and was performed across 4 centres. Patients who had received a kidney transplant over a 1-year period, had their transfusion status identified and linked to data held within the national registry. Results: Of 720 patients, 221(30.7%) were transfused, with 214(29.7%) receiving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. The proportion of patients transfused at each centre ranged from 20% to 35%, with a median time to transfusion of 4 (IQR:0-12) days post-transplant. On multivariate analysis, age [OR: 1.02(1.01-1.03), p=0.001], gender [OR: 2.11(1.50-2.98), p<0.0001], ethnicity [OR: 1.28(1.28-2.60), p=0.0008], and dialysis dependence pre-transplant [OR: 1.67(1.08-2.68), p=0.02], were associated with transfusion. A risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed transfusion was associated with inferior 1-year patient survival [HR 7.94(2.08-30.27), p=0.002] and allograft survival [HR: 3.33(1.65-6.71), p=0.0008], and inferior allograft function. Conclusion: RBC transfusions are common and are independently associated with inferior transplant outcomes. We urge that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the outcomes, to support the urgent development of transplant-specific anaemia guidelines.

International Comparison, Risk Assessment, and Prioritisation of 26 Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in Three European River Catchments in the UK, Ireland, and Spain.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) constitute a wide variety of chemistries with diverse properties that may/can pose risks to both humans and the environment. Herein, a total of 26 compounds, including steroids, flame retardants, and plasticizers, were monitored in three major and heavily urbanized river catchments: the R. Liffey (Ireland), the R. Thames (UK), and the R. Ter (Spain), by using a single solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) method. Occurrence and frequency rates were investigated across all locations over a 10-week period, with the highest concentration obtained for the flame retardant tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) at 4767 ng∙L-1 in the R. Thames in Central London. Geographical variations were observed between sites and were partially explained using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). In particular, discrimination between the R. Ter and the R. Thames was observed based on the presence and concentration of flame retardants, benzotriazole, and steroids. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) across sites showed that caffeine, a chemical marker, and bisphenol A (BPA), a plasticizer, were classified as high-risk for the R. Liffey and R. Thames, based on relative risk quotients (rRQs), and that caffeine was classified as high-risk for the R. Ter, based on RQs. The total risks at each location, namely ΣRQriver, and ΣrRQriver, were: 361, 455, and 723 for the rivers Liffey, Thames, and Ter, respectively. Caffeine, as expected, was ubiquitous in all 3 urban areas, though with the highest RQ observed in the R. Ter. High contributions of BPA were also observed across the three matrices. Therefore, these two compounds should be prioritized independently of location. This study represents a comprehensive EDC monitoring comparison between different European cities based on a single analytical method, which allowed for a geographically independent ERA prioritization to be performed.

A Data-Driven Approach for Building the Profile of Water Storage Capacity of Soils.

The soil water storage capacity is critical for soil management as it drives crop production, soil carbon sequestration, and soil quality and health. It depends on soil textural class, depth, land-use and soil management practices; therefore, the complexity strongly limits its estimation on a large scale with conventional-process-based approaches. In this paper, a machine learning approach is proposed to build the profile of the soil water storage capacity. A neural network is designed to estimate the soil moisture from the meteorology data input. By taking the soil moisture as a proxy in the modelling, the training captures those impact factors of soil water storage capacity and their nonlinear interaction implicitly without knowing the underlying soil hydrologic processes. An internal vector of the proposed neural network assimilates the soil moisture response to meteorological conditions and is regulated as the profile of the soil water storage capacity. The proposed approach is data-driven. Since the low-cost soil moisture sensors have made soil moisture monitoring simple and the meteorology data are easy to obtain, the proposed approach enables a convenient way of estimating soil water storage capacity in a high sampling resolution and at a large scale. Moreover, an average root mean squared deviation at 0.0307m3/m3 can be achieved in the soil moisture estimation; hence, the trained model can be deployed as an alternative to the expensive sensor networks for continuous soil moisture monitoring. The proposed approach innovatively represents the soil water storage capacity as a vector profile rather than a single value indicator. Compared with the single value indicator, which is common in hydrology, a multidimensional vector can encode more information and thus has a more powerful representation. This can be seen in the anomaly detection demonstrated in the paper, where subtle differences in soil water storage capacity among the sensor sites can be captured even though these sensors are installed on the same grassland. Another merit of vector representation is that advanced numeric methods can be applied to soil analysis. This paper demonstrates such an advantage by clustering sensor sites into groups with the unsupervised K-means clustering on the profile vectors which encapsulate soil characteristics and land properties of each sensor site implicitly.

Sensors for Coastal and Ocean Monitoring.

In situ water monitoring sensors are critical to gain an understanding of ocean biochemistry and ecosystem health. They enable the collection of high-frequency data and capture ecosystem spatial and temporal changes, which in turn facilitate long-term global predictions. They are used as decision support tools in emergency situations and for risk mitigation, pollution source tracking, and regulatory monitoring. Advanced sensing platforms exist to support various monitoring needs together with state-of-the-art power and communication capabilities. To be fit-for-purpose, sensors must withstand the challenging marine environment and provide data at an acceptable cost. Significant technological advancements have catalyzed the development of new and improved sensors for coastal and oceanographic applications. Sensors are becoming smaller, smarter, more cost-effective, and increasingly specialized and diversified. This article, therefore, provides a review of the state-of-the art oceanographic and coastal sensors. Progress in sensor development is discussed in terms of performance and the key strategies used for achieving robustness, marine rating, cost reduction, and antifouling protection.

Establishment of an antifouling performance index derived from the assessment of biofouling on typical marine sensor materials.

Marine biofouling, known as the unwanted accumulation of living organisms on submerged surfaces, is one of the main factors affecting the operation, maintenance and data quality of water quality monitoring sensors. This can be a significant challenge for marine deployed infrastructure and sensors in water. When organisms attach to the mooring lines or other submerged surfaces of the sensor, they can interfere with the sensor's operation and accuracy. They can also add weight and drag to the mooring system, making it more difficult to maintain the desired position of the sensor. This increases the cost of ownership to the point where it becomes prohibitively expensive to maintain operational sensor networks and infrastructures. Furthermore, the analysis and quantification of biofouling is extremely complex as it is based on biochemical methods such as the analysis of pigments such as chlorophyll-a as a direct indicator of the biomass of photosynthetic organisms, dry weight, carbohydrate analysis and protein analysis among others. In this context, this study has developed a method to estimate biofouling quickly and accurately on different submerged materials used in the marine industry and specifically in sensor manufacturing like copper, titanium, fiberglass composite, different types of polyoxymethylene (POMC, POMH), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and 316L-stainless steel. To do this, in situ images of fouling organisms were collected with a conventional camera and image processing algorithms and machine learning models trained were used to construct a biofouling growth model. The algorithms and models were implemented with Fiji-based Weka Segmentation software. A supervised clustering model was used to identify three types of fouling to quantify fouling on panels of different materials submerged in seawater over time. This method is easy, fast and cost-effective to classify biofouling in a more accessible and holistic way that could be useful for engineering applications.

Emergency and perioperative management of adrenal insufficiency in children and young people: British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes consensus guidance.

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is characterised by lack of cortisol production from the adrenal glands. This can be a primary adrenal disorder or secondary to adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency or suppression from exogenous glucocorticoids. Symptoms of AI in children may initially be non-specific and include growth faltering, lethargy, poor feeding, weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting and lingering illnesses. AI is treated with replacement doses of hydrocortisone. At times of physiological stress such as illness, trauma or surgery, there is an increased requirement for exogenous glucocorticoids, which if untreated can lead to an adrenal crisis and death. There are no unified guidelines for those <18 years old in the UK, leading to substantial variation in the management of AI. This paper sets out guidance for intercurrent illness, medical, dental and surgical procedures to allow timely and appropriate recognition and treatment of AI and adrenal crisis for children and young people.

Molecularly imprinted polymers for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances enrichment and detection.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly toxic pollutants of significant concern as they are being detected in water, air, fish and soil. They are extremely persistent and accumulate in plant and animal tissues. Traditional methods of detection and removal of these substances use specialised instrumentation and require a trained technical resource for operation. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), polymeric materials with predetermined selectivity for a target molecule, have recently begun to be exploited in technologies for the selective removal and monitoring of PFAS in environmental waters. This review offers a comprehensive overview of recent developments in MIPs, both as adsorbents for PFAS removal and sensors that selectively detect PFAS at environmentally-relevant concentrations. PFAS-MIP adsorbents are classified according to their method of preparation (e.g., bulk or precipitation polymerization, surface imprinting), while PFAS-MIP sensing materials are described and discussed according to the transduction methods used (e.g., electrochemical, optical). This review aims to comprehensively discuss the PFAS-MIP research field. The efficacy and challenges facing the different applications of these materials in environmental water applications are discussed, as well as a perspective on challenges for this field that need to be overcome before exploitation of the technology can be fully realised.

A year-long study of the occurrence and risk of over 140 contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater influent, effluent and receiving waters in the Republic of Ireland.

Despite being a developed country in the European Union (EU), knowledge of the nature and extent of contamination of water bodies with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in Ireland is limited. In this study, >140 CECs including pharmaceuticals, pesticides and personal care products were monitored in monthly samples of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent, effluent and receiving surface waters at both an urban and a rural location (72 samples in total) in Ireland over a 12-month period in 2018-2019. In total, 58 CECs were detected, including several EU Water Framework Directive Watch List compounds. Of all classes, the highest concentrations were measured for pharmaceuticals across all media, i.e., propranolol in surface waters (134 ng·L-1), hydrochlorothiazide in effluent (1067 ng·L-1) and venlafaxine in influent wastewater (8273 ng·L-1). Overall, high wastewater treatment removal was observed and a further reduction in CEC occurrence and concentration was measured via dilution in the receiving river environment. Lastly, an environmental risk assessment (ERA) was performed using risk quotients (RQ), which revealed that in surface waters, total RQ for all CECs was an order of magnitude lower than in effluents. The majority of CECs in surface waters posed a lower risk except E2 and EE2 which presented a medium risk (RQs of 3.5 and 1.1, respectively) in the rural area. This work represents the most comprehensive CEC monitoring dataset to date for Ireland which allowed for an ERA prioritisation to be performed for the first time.

Clinical impact of early post-transplant red cell transfusions in kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) represent a potentially modifiable risk factor for HLA sensitisation and adverse outcomes post transplantation. Evidence of the clinical impact of post-transplant RBCT has been infrequently reported. Herein, we performed a systematic review of available literature to assess the prevalence of RBCT post kidney transplant, and the effect of transfusion on transplant outcomes. Methods: We included studies from 2000 to July 2022, published on Medline, Embase and the Transplant Library. Results: Ten studies were analysed which included a total of 32,817 kidney transplant recipients, with a median transfusion prevalence of 40% (range 18-64%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies in terms of patient and allograft characteristics, immunological risk, and immunosuppression protocols. Analysis of unadjusted outcomes showed that post-transplant RBCTs are associated with inferior patient survival, allograft loss, rejection and donor specific antibodies. Adjusted outcomes were described where available, and supported the adverse associations seen in the unadjusted models in many studies. Discussion: This review demonstrates that RBCT post-transplant are common and maybe associated with inferior outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for high quality prospective evidence of the effect of RBCTs on transplant outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier, CRD42022348763767.

An international intercomparison exercise on passive samplers (DGT) for monitoring metals in marine waters under a regulatory context.

In order to move forward in the acceptance of a novel contaminant monitoring technique (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films: DGT) for assessment of marine water bodies, sensu the WFD, an Inter-Laboratories Comparison (ILC) exercise (nine Europeans laboratories) was organized in the framework of the Interreg Atlantic Area MONITOOL project, which focused on the use of the DGT technique for the measurement of WFD priority metals (Cd, Ni and Pb). Reproducible results were obtained for each metal by several laboratories, supporting the assertion that DGT analysis can be performed satisfactorily by laboratories experienced in measuring metals at trace levels in marine environments, even if they have limited practice in DGT analysis. According to the Z-score analysis, among the 9 participating laboratories, 3 had 100 % of satisfactory results for Cd, Ni, and Pb, 3 had >80 % satisfactory results and 2 had about 60 % satisfactory results. This work highlights the need to clearly describe the DGT method in order to control sources of contamination during analytical steps, in particular the resin gel retrieval and the elution steps. Such international intercomparison exercise is an important step to develop the laboratory network involved in DGT analysis and contributes to the improvement of data quality.

Metals concentrations in transitional and coastal waters by ICPMS and voltammetry analysis of spot samples and passive samplers (DGT).

This study investigates the relationships among Ni, Cd and Pb's different chemical forms determined by different methodologies in coastal and transitional waters across a broad geographical scale. Concentrations were measured in spot samples and through passive sampling (DGT). High variability of metal concentrations was found among sampling sites and methodologies due to natural water fluctuations rather than to a given metal or method. Total dissolved metal concentrations in spot samples were lower than the EQS-WFD values. The labile fractions of Cd and Pb, measured in spot samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry and by DGT-ICPMS, were highly correlated. Similar labilities were found for Cd, while for Pb, the ASV labile fraction was ≈50% lower. These results reflect the pool of mobile and labile species available towards each technique kinetic window, and they seem not to be affected by discrete sampling flaws.

Development and application of an LC-MS method to the determination of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking, sea and surface water samples.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of synthetic organic surfactants that have become a global concern because of their toxicity and widespread presence in the aquatic environment and organisms globally. In this study, a new analytical method has been developed and validated for the analysis of 15 perfluorinated compounds in different water matrices: river water, drinking water and seawater. Water extraction was performed in anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges, and extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry. Recoveries for target analytes were between 35 and 120%, depending on the water matrix. Method detection limits were in the range of 0.5-17 ng L-1. The validated method was applied to the determination of perfluorinated compounds in water samples around Ireland. Eight compounds out of fifteen were detected at least in one sample. Measured concentrations were higher in river water than seawater, and drinking water had the lowest levels, although still detectable for a considerable amount of compounds. The most prevalent compounds were PFPeA, PFOA and PFHxA, present in all types of water, and they had the highest concentrations.

Demonstrating the Potential of a Low-Cost Soil Moisture Sensor Network.

Soil moisture is a key parameter of the climate system as it relates to plant transpiration and photosynthesis and impacts land-atmosphere interactions. Recent developments have seen an increasing number of electromagnetic sensors available commercially (EM) for soil volumetric water content (θ). Their use is constantly expanding, and they are becoming increasingly used for agricultural, ecological, and geotechnical applications and climate research, providing decision support and high-resolution data for models and machine-learning algorithms. In this study, a soil moisture sensor network consisting of 10 Sense Cap capacitance-based sensors is evaluated. Analytical performance of the sensors was determined based on laboratory and field measurements with dielectric permittivity (ε) standards and soil media substrates. Sensor response normalisation to standards of known ε was found to reduce intersensor variability and provide robust estimates of θ in soil samples with known θ. Cross-comparison with a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) instrument carried out in two soil media demonstrates good agreement between the two probes throughout the tested range. The data communication performance of the network was evaluated in terms of packet drop rate at different ranges and sampling frequencies. It was noticed that the drop rate increased with distance from the gateway, while sampling frequency had no effect. Sources of errors associated with probe installation were identified and recommendations are provided for sensor deployment. The off-the-shelf all-in-one solution provided by Sense Cap is low cost, user friendly and suitable for implementation at temporal and spatial scales once the identified shortcomings are addressed. The evaluation presented aims to aid stakeholders and users involved in soil and land management practices including crop production, soil conservation, carbon sequestration and pollutants transport.

Sickle cell disease patients in two London trusts: Genotyping including RH variants.

BACKGROUND: All SCD patients need extended RBC antigen typing (by serology or genotyping) for provision of extended RH, K matched blood and to guide RBC selection in those with complex transfusion requirements. Genotyping can also identify RH variants which can cause sensitisation even when extended RH phenotypically matched blood is provided and alloantibodies associated with RH variants can cause HTRs. OBJECTIVES: To review the use of RBC genotyping in SCD patients at two London trusts (ICHNT, LNWH) with a focus on RH variants. METHODS: Retrospective review with data collected from clinical notes, local and national pathology reporting systems. RESULTS: A 311/482 (64%) ICHNT patients and 181/346 (52%) LNWH patients had extended genotyping. Of genotyped patients, 68 (22%) ICHNT and 31 (17%) LNWH patients had RH variants. Eight ICHNT patients had RH variants and corresponding antibodies associated with RH variants; 4/8 received multiple transfusions with antigen positive RBCs but had no evidence of haemolysis. One LNWH patient had a RH variant with corresponding alloantibody but could not be investigated further for possible HTR. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients (59%) had genotyping and a significant number had RH variants (99, 20%). A small proportion (9, 9%) had antibodies associated with RH variants, but with no evidence of clinically significant HTRs despite transfusions in four of them with antigen positive RBCs. All SCD patients should have RBC genotyping including RH variants (preferentially over extended phenotyping) to guide better selection of RBC units. However, where antigen negative blood cannot be provided, the risk of alloimmunisation is not inevitable and subsequent HTRs from antibodies associated with RH variants might not always occur.

Fifteen-minute consultation: Practical use of continuous glucose monitoring.

Type 1 diabetes is a self-managed condition. Regular monitoring of blood glucose (BG) levels has been the cornerstone of diabetes management. Finger prick BG testing traditionally has been the standard method employed. More recently, rapid advancements in the development of continuous glucose monitoring devices have led to increased use of technology to help children and young people with diabetes manage their condition. These devices have the potential to improve diabetes control and reduce hypoglycaemia especially if used in conjunction with a pump to automate insulin delivery. This paper aims to provide an update on main CGM devices available and practical considerations for doctors if they come across a child with diabetes who is using one of these devices.

Monitoring of emerging contaminants of concern in the aquatic environment: a review of studies showing the application of effect-based measures.

Water scarcity is increasingly a global cause of concern mainly due to widespread changes in climate conditions and increased consumptive water use driven by the exponential increase in population growth. In addition, increased pollution of fresh water sources due to rising production and consumption of pharmaceuticals and organic chemicals will further exacerbate this concern. Although surface water contamination by individual chemicals is often at very low concentration, pharmaceuticals for instance are designed to be efficacious at low concentrations, creating genuine concern for their presence in freshwater sources. Furthermore, the additive impact of multiple compounds may result in toxic or other biological effects that otherwise will not be induced by individual chemicals. Globally, different legislative frameworks have led to pre-emptive efforts which aim to ensure good water ecological status. Reports detailing the use and types of effect-based measures covering specific bioassay batteries that can identify specific mode of actions of chemical pollutants in the aquatic ecosystem to evaluate the real threat of pollutants to aquatic lives and ultimately human lives have recently emerged from monitoring networks such as the NORMAN network. In this review, we critically evaluate some studies within the last decade that have implemented effect-based monitoring of pharmaceuticals and organic chemicals in aquatic fauna, evaluating the occurrence of different chemical pollutants and the impact of these pollutants on aquatic fauna with special focus on pollutants that are contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in urban wastewater. A critical discussion on studies that have used effect-based measures to assess biological impact of pharmaceutical/organic compound in the aquatic ecosystem and the endpoints measurements employed is presented. The application of effect-based monitoring of chemicals other than assessment of water quality status is also discussed.

Concurrent sampling of transitional and coastal waters by Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) and spot sampling for trace metals analysis.

This protocol was developed based on the knowledge acquired in the framework of the Interreg MONITOOL project (EAPA_565/2016) where extensive sampling campaigns were performed in transitional and coastal waters covering eight European countries. It provides detailed procedures and guidelines for the sampling of these waterbodies by concurrent collection of discrete water samples and the deployment of Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) passive samplers for the measurement of trace metal concentrations. In order to facilitate the application of this protocol by end-users, it presents steps to follow in the laboratory prior to sampling campaigns, explains the procedures for field campaigns (including in situ measurement of supporting parameters) and subsequent sample processing in the laboratory in preparation for trace metal analyze by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and voltammetry. The protocol provides a systematic, coherent field sampling and sample preparation strategy that was developed in order to ensure comparability and reproducibility of the data obtained from each project Partner in different regions. • Standardization of the concurrent sampling of transitional and coastal waters by DGT passive samplers and spot sampling. • Robust procedures and tips based on existing international standards and comprehensive practical experience. • Links to demonstration videos produced within the MONITOOL project.